Elmer Herman Schroer

Elmer Schroer, a longtime resident of Jacksonville, Fla., died peacefully April 9 in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Elmer and his identical twin brother, Delmer, were born in 1932 to John Schroer and Bertha Goos Schroer. The youngest of five children, the twins’ remarkable singing voices earned them full scholarships to Illinois Wesleyan School of Music where they studied for three years.

An Army Veteran, Elmer was stationed at Fort Knox for two years during the Korean War before returning home and enrolling in the University of Florida where he received his degree in pharmacy. Elmer spent more than 30 years as a hospital pharmacist with 20 of those years as Director of Pharmacy at St. Luke’s Hospital in Jacksonville. During that time, he oversaw the pharmacy’s move into the Jacksonville branch of the Mayo Clinic. He retired from Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville after 10 years as a staff pharmacist.

A loving, kind and gentle husband, father and grandfather, his impact on those he met was incalculable. Elmer was married for 38 years to his wife, Sharon Andrews, and together they forged a path of joy, singing in choirs, performing in musical theater and singing in cathedrals around Italy, including The Vatican.

Elmer was an active outdoorsman until the final years of his life, spending time biking, hiking, running, kayaking, tennis, playing disc golf – often with his children – and traveling with Sharon. As a Jacksonville resident, he ran the 15K River Run more than 30 times. He was truly a Renaissance man!

One of his greatest joys was his beloved Italian Greyhound, Linus. Often lying by his side receiving a head rub, both enjoyed frequent walks and even participated in several Beaches Dog Runs.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Sharon Andrews, his four children, whose mother was Ellen Taylor; Jay Schroer, Ron Schroer (Barbara), Greg Schroer (Frankie), and Carla Schroer (Mark Mudge) as well as step daughters Bonnie Williams (Brian), Kristin Crawley (Marty), brother-in-law Loyd Brumfield, Jr. (Rebecca Stumpf), and sister-in-law Madonna Kern (Wesley), nephew Jeffrey Schroer, niece Kathy Schroer (Jeff Clippard) of his identical twin, Delmer, also including 3 other nieces and one nephew. He has 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on May 31st at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation to one of Elmer's favorite organizations: Jacksonville Symphony Chorus ( www.jaxsymphony.org/giving/), Community Hospice and Palliative Care (www.communityhospice.com/foundation/memorial-giving/donation ), St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Food Pantry, Jacksonville ( www.stmarysjax.org ), or a charity of your choice.